Sweet Cherry

Pepper

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Bush

Sweet Cherry Pepper ripens to a glossy, candy-bright cherry red that practically glows in the garden. Its flavor is pleasantly sw…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 22nd
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 6th
Harvest Begins	Jun 5th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Early White Grano Onion

Mrs. Burn's Lemon Basil

African Blue Basil Basil

Temperate Tulsi Basil

Pistou Basil

Fino Verde Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

Sweet cherry (Capsicum annuum): what’s the most common pest or disease and how can I fix it?

A frequent problem in Capsicum annuum is blossom end rot, caused by irregular watering that disrupts calcium uptake. Keep soil moisture steady—water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil dries, and avoid letting the soil swing from very dry to soaking wet. If you see early black, sunken spots on fruits, remove affected fruit and start maintaining even moisture right away; a calcium source won’t correct the underlying moisture inconsistency if watering is erratic.

How often should I water sweet cherry peppers during the main growing phase (for strong fruit set)?

During flowering and fruiting, water so the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy: typically 1–2 inches of water per week total, adjusted for heat and container size. As a rule, water when the top inch feels dry, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom (especially in pots). Inconsistent moisture is what most often leads to misshapen fruit and blossom end rot in Capsicum annuum.

How do I tell when sweet cherry peppers (Capsicum annuum) are ready to harvest?

Harvest at 60 days when fruits are fully sized and firm, and they have reached their mature color (often red or orange depending on your target stage). Pick peppers every few days once they start coloring—leaving them too long can reduce new fruit set. Snip or cut the stem with scissors to avoid tearing branches.

Sweet Cherry Pepper ripens to a glossy, candy-bright cherry red that practically glows in the garden. Its flavor is pleasantly sweet with a gentle, lingering warmth, and the fruit stays crisp and juicy—ideal for fresh snacking, vibrant roasting, and quick pickling for tangy-sweet relish-style results. Grow this 60-day standout for abundant, bite-size peppers that bring color, crunch, and a mild kick to every harvest basket.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start peppers early indoors and transplant only when soil is truly warm (about 60°F+) to avoid cold-stunt and to keep fruit set moving.